664 DR. A. G. BOURNE ON INDIAN EARTHWORMS. [Dec. 2], 
numerous forms which I have called Pericheta it extends n many 
forms (as in P. armata, Bedd.) over four somites, and in one form 
over five somites instead of three. 
So, as they stand, these generic distinctions seem to me to be of 
little value. I am, however, inclined to hope that a careful anato- 
mical study in the fresh state of the large variety of forms which I 
have already discovered (I have, moreover, every reason to believe 
that the field is as yet by no means exhausted’) will enable me to 
group these very interesting forms in a more rational manner. I do 
not think that the classification suggested by Benham? will turn out 
to be a very natural one. I refrain, however, from making any 
suggestions myself in this preliminary note, as I expect that the 
natural classification will have to be based upon the result of very 
careful examination of a very large number of fresh forms. I shall 
doubtless be able ere long to go to Ceylon, Burmah, Java, and other 
places, and compare fresh specimens of the forms which have been 
described from these regions with my Indian species. 
I have in the present note spoken of all the forms as Peri- 
cheta, with the exception of Perionyx saltans, although I believe 
that the differences have in many cases a full generic value. A 
glance at my tabular statement (p. 665) will show what great differ- 
ences exist, 
PERICHETA LAWSONI, Sp. 0. 
The clitellum extends over somites xiv., xv., xvi., and xvii., but 
is very slightly marked. Even in adult specimens it requires careful 
examination to detect any external difference between these somites 
and the ordinary somites of the body. There is, however, no 
doubt as to its existence and extent in either this or the following 
species, P. bivaginata. 
The male pores are placed on somite xviii. There are no 
papille. The oviducts open separately, although very near the 
median line, in somite xiv. There are two pairs of spermathece ; 
these are placed in somites viii. and ix. The spermathecal pores 
open between somites vii. and viii., and viii. and ix., respectively. I 
have found no nephridia. The gizzard is situated in somite x. 
Intestinal czeca are present in somite xxvi. and run forward to somite 
Xxiil. 
There are from 30-35 sete in each somite, which are arranged so 
as to leave small gaps in the median, dorsal, and ventral line. The 
ventral gap is equivalent to about two ordinary gaps, and the dorsal 
gap to about three ordinary gaps. The sete are present on the 
clitellar somites and are arranged as in the other somites. No 
modified genital setee were observed. 
Length 250 millim., cireumference 7 mm. ; number of somites 119. 
Hab. Ootacamund, Nilgiris, at an elevation of about 7000 feet. 
_ | In the one week which I recently spent in the Salem and Yercaud district, 
= will be seen that I discovered three new species of Pericheta, besides other 
orms. 
* Quart. Journ, Microsc. Sci. vol. xxvi. n.s. p. 225. 
